Transition strip for floor panel and method of installation, replacement, and repair using the same

ABSTRACT

A transition strip is used to install, replace, and repair a floor panel in a floating floor system. The transition strip is a film or tape that comprises plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyolefin, or nylon. The transition strip can be used to repair a floor panel by removing at least one of the floor panels in the floating floor system to form an opening therein. The transition strip is positioned in the opening such that a portion of a top side of the transition strip adheres to a bottom surface of a bottom layer of at least one floor panel adjacent the opening and a portion of a top side of the transition strip extends into the opening. A bottom surface of a bottom layer of a replacement floor panel is then adhered to the portion of the transition strip extending into the opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transition strip for a floor panelhaving a top layer offset from a bottom layer. The present inventionfurther relates to a method of installing, replacing, and repairing afloor panel having a top layer offset from a bottom layer using atransition strip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor panels for use in floating floor systems typically comprise a toplayer and a bottom layer adhered together in an offset relationship suchthat a substantially L-shaped marginal end portion of a top surface ofthe bottom layer and a substantially L-shaped marginal end portion of abottom surface of the top layer are exposed. The top layer typicallycomprises at least one mix layer, a print film, a wear layer, and a topcoat. The bottom layer typically comprises at least one mix layer. Thebottom layer has a thickness about equal to or greater than the toplayer. A ratio of a thickness of the top layer to a thickness of thebottom layer is typically in the range of about 2 or less. For example,the SURFACE SOURCE product sold by Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. has a toplayer with a thickness of about 64 mils (about 1.63 millimeters), and abottom layer with a thickness of about 61 mils (about 1.55 millimeters).Thus, the ratio of the thickness of the top layer to the bottom layer isabout 1.05 (64 mils/61 mils=1.05).

In order to assemble the floating floor system, at least one of themarginal end portions of each of the floor panels is provided with anadhesive. The marginal end portion provided with the adhesive is engagedwith the marginal end portion of an adjacent floor panel to form thefloating floor system. Because the thickness of the bottom layer issignificantly large (about 98 mils (about 2.5 millimeters)),installation, replacement, and repair of the floor panels can bedifficult and labor intensive. For example, when the floor panels areinstalled, if a gap is formed between the ends of the bottom layers ofthe adjacent floor panels, the gap can telescope through the floorpanels thereby significantly altering the aesthetic and structuralcharacteristics of the top layer. Additionally, if the ends of thebottom layers of the adjacent Hoof panels are caused to overlap, theoverlaps can additionally telescope through the floor panel thereby alsosignificantly altering the aesthetic and structural characteristics ofthe top layer.

Additionally, in order to repair a floor panel in a floating floorsystem having the above-described characteristics, a cutting mechanismmust be guided about the perimeter of the top layer. As the cuttingmechanism is guided about the perimeter of the top layer, the cuttingmechanism must be forced to additionally cut through the bottom layer ofthe floor panel. Because the bottom layer is a thick mix layer, cuttingthrough the bottom layer is extremely difficult. The floor panel is thenpried up and removed from the floating floor system to create an openingin the floating floor system. Because the bottom layer is cut in aposition corresponding to the perimeter of the top layer, a portion ofthe bottom layer remains underneath the adjacent floor panels when thefloor panel is removed from the floating floor system. Thus, due to thethickness of the bottom layer, the bottom layer remaining underneath theadjacent floor panels must be completely carved out before a replacementfloor panel can be inserted into the opening and adhered to the adjacentfloor panels.

In view of the foregoing, there still remains a need to develop a methodof installing, replacing, and repairing floor panels that overcomes theabove-described problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a transition strip for installing, replacing,or repairing a floor panel in a floating floor system, comprising a filmor tape comprising plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester,polyolefin, or nylon, the transition strip having a thickness of about1-60 mils.

The invention further relates to method of replacing a floor panel in afloating floor system comprising a plurality of floor panels having atop layer with an exposed marginal end portion and a bottom layer withan exposed marginal end portion, the marginal end portion of the toplayer being adhered to the marginal end portion of the bottom layer ofthe adjacent floor panel, the method comprising: removing at least oneof the floor panels to form an opening in the floating floor system;positioning a transition strip in the opening such that a portion of atop side of the transition strip adheres to a bottom surface of thebottom layer of the floor panel adjacent the opening and a portion ofthe top side of the transition strip extends into the opening; andadhering a bottom surface of a bottom layer of a replacement floor panelto the portion of the transition strip extending into the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a floor panelaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a floating floor system incorporatingthe floor panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a transition strip.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the floor panel of FIG. 1provided with the transition strip of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mixed media floating floor systemincorporating the floor panel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a method of removing one of thefloor panels from the floating floor system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a method of preparing areplacement floor panel.

FIG. 9 is a further schematic illustration of a method of preparing thereplacement floor panel.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a method of providing thetransition strip in an opening in the floating floor system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a method of fixing thereplacement floor panel in the opening in the floating floor system.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TILE EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1-3 show a floor panel 10 according to an embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, the floor panel 10 comprises a top layer11, a bottom layer 12, and a release member 13. The top layer 11 may beformed, for example, from a substantially flexible sheet material, suchas plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, or combinationsthereof. The top layer 11 has a top surface 14 with a visible decorativepattern 17 and a bottom surface 15. In the illustrated embodiment, thetop layer 11 comprises at least one mix layer 16, a print film providedwith the visible decorative pattern 17, a wear layer (not shown), and atop coat (not shown), respectively. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that although the top layer 11 is shown and describedherein as comprising multiple layers that the top layer 11 mayalternatively comprise a single layer. Additionally, the types of layersconstituting the top layer 11 and the visible decorative pattern 17could be varied depending on the desired characteristics of the toplayer 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the top layer 11 has a thickness T1 of about 20-200mils (about 0.508-5.08 millimeters), preferably about 60-180 mils (about1.524-4.572 millimeters), and more preferably about 80-150 mils (about2.032-3.810 millimeters). In the illustrated embodiment, the top layer11 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a length L1 of about 36inches (about 91.4 centimeters) and a width W1 of about 6 inches (about15.2 centimeters). However, it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the geometrical shape and the length L1 and the width W1 ofthe top layer 11 may be varied depending on the desired dimension andgeometrical configuration of the floor panel 10. For example, the toplayer 11 may alternatively have a substantially square shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom layer 12 has a top surface 18 and abottom surface 19. The bottom layer 12 may be formed, for example, froma film or tape comprising plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester,polyolefin, nylon, or combinations thereof. The bottom layer 12 may alsoinclude recycle material, such as post industrial or post consumerscrap. The film or tape may be rigid or flexible and is preferablymoisture resistant or waterproof. Additionally, the film or tape may becapable of being delivered or shipped in a roll. In the illustratedembodiment, the bottom layer 12 comprises a single layer of rigid blackpolyvinyl chloride film. Alternatively, the bottom layer 12 couldcomprise multiple layers, such as two layers of film laminated with amat, such as a glass mat or polyethylene terephthalate mat, therebetween. The bottom layer 12 could also be provided with at least one ofa continuous or discontinuous ink layer, antimicrobial layer, sounddeadening layer, cushioning layer, slide resistant layer, stiffeninglayer, channeling layer, mechanically embossed texture, or chemicaltexture.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom layer 12 has a thickness T2 less than thethickness T1 of the top layer 11. The thickness 12 of the bottom layer12 is, for example, about 1-60 mils (about 0.0254-1.524 millimeters),preferably about 6.5-12 mils (about 0.1651-0.3048 millimeters), and morepreferably about 8 mils (about 0.2032 millimeters). A ratio of thethickness T1 of the top layer 11 to the thickness T2 of the bottom layer12 is about 5 or greater, preferably about 10-100, and more preferablyabout 10-25. The bottom layer 12 has a length L2 and a width W2 the sameas the length L1 and the width W1 of the top layer 11. Thus, in theillustrated embodiment, the bottom layer 12 is substantially rectangularin shape and has the length L2 of about 36 inches (about 91.4centimeters) and the width W2 of about 6 inches (about 15.2centimeters). However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the geometrical shape and the length L1 and the width W1 of thebottom layer 12 may be varied depending on the desired dimension andgeometrical configuration of the floor panel 10. For example, the bottomlayer 12 may alternatively have a substantially square shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 15 of the top layer 11 islaminated to the top surface 18 of the bottom layer 12 by an adhesive20. The adhesive 20 may be, for example, any suitable adhesive, such asa hot melt adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a structuraland/or reactive adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive isa pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. The adhesive 20 may have, forexample, a bond strength of at least 25 force-pounds, and morepreferably about 25-30 force-pounds after having been heat aged forabout 24 hours at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. In the illustrated embodiment,the adhesive 20 is provided on substantially an entirety of the topsurface 18 of the bottom layer 12. The adhesive 20 may be applied tohave a thickness, for example, of about 1-2 mils (about 0.0254-0.0508millimeters). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,however, that the thickness of the adhesive 20 may vary depending on thetexture of the bottom surface 15 of the top layer 11 and the texture ofthe top surface 18 of the bottom layer 12 in that a substantially smoothsurface would require less of the adhesive 20 due to better adhesion andbond strength.

The top layer 11 is adhered to the bottom layer 12 so that the top layer11 is offset from the bottom layer 12 in a direction of the length L1,L2 and the width W1, W2. In other words, opposing first ends 21 of thetop layer 11 are offset in the direction of the length L1, L2 fromopposing first ends 23 of the bottom layer 12 an offset distance D1, D2and opposing second ends 22 of the top layer 11 are offset in thedirection of the width W1, W2 from opposing second ends 24 of the bottomlayer 12 an offset distance D3, D4. The offset distances D1, D2, D3, D4are substantially the same. In the illustrated embodiment, the offsetdistances D1, D2, D3, D4 are, for example, about 1 inch (about 2.5centimeters). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,however, that the offset distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may be varieddepending on the desired configuration of the floor panel 11. Examplesof possible variations in the offset distances D1, D2, D3, D4 are setforth, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/412,419,filed Mar. 27, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Because the adhesive 20 is provided on substantially theentirety of the top surface 18 of the bottom layer 12, due to the offsetof the top layer 11 relative to the bottom layer 12, a substantiallyL-shaped marginal end portion of the top surface 18 of the bottom layer12 remains exposed to form an adhesive surface 25, and a substantiallyL-shaped marginal end portion of the bottom surface 15 of the top layer11 remains exposed to form an attachment surface 26.

As shown in FIG. 1, the release member 13 is positioned adjacent to thetop surface 14 of the top layer 11 and the adhesive surface 25 to coverthe adhesive surface 25 during shipping of the floor panel 10 and priorto the installation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasemember 13 is a flexible sheet corresponding in size and shape to thebottom layer 12. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,however, that the size and shape of the release member 13 may be varied,as long as the release member 13 adequately covers the adhesive surface25. The release member 13 may be made, for example, from any knownsuitable release material, such as a poly or silicone coated paper, aplastic sheet, a polymer film, or other material that enables therelease member 13 to be quickly and easily removed from the adhesivesurface 25 during the installation of the floor panel 10.

FIGS. 2-3 show a floating floor system 27 comprising a plurality of thefloor panels 10 installed on a sub-floor 28. Preferably, theinstallation of the floor panels 10 would start adjacent a wall and/orin a corner of a room and would proceed outwardly there from. As shownin FIG. 2, in order to install the floor panels 10, at least one of thefloor panels 10 is arranged on the sub-floor 28 such that the bottomsurface 19 of the bottom layer 12 is in contact with the sub-floor 28.The release member 13 is removed from the floor panel 10 to expose theadhesive surface 25 on the top surface 18 of the bottom layer 12.Another one of the floor panels 10 is then adhered to the adhesivesurface 25 by engaging the attachment surface 26 on the bottom surface15 of the top layer 11 with the adhesive surface 25. The process isrepeated until the desired number of the floor panels 10 covers thesub-floor 28.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the floor panels 10 are installed such that thefirst ends 21, 23 of the top and bottom layers 11, 12 of the floorpanels 10 substantially abut the first ends 21, 23 of the top and bottomlayers 11, 12 of the adjacent floor panels 10, and the second ends 22,24 of the top and bottom layers 11, 12 of the floor panels 10substantially abut the second ends 22, 24 of the top and bottom layers11, 12 of the adjacent floor panels 10. Because the thickness T2 of thebottom layer 12 of the floor panels 10 is significantly less than thethickness T1 of the top layer 11, when the adjacent floor panels 10 areengaged, any gaps or overlapping that may occur between the first andsecond ends 22, 23 of the bottom layers 12 of the adjacent floor panels10 will not impact the aesthetic and/or structural characteristics ofthe top layer 11. Therefore, by reducing the thickness of the bottomlayer 12, buckling at the top surface 18 of the top layer 11 can beprevented.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the method ofinstallation of the floor panels 10 is not limited to the method shownand described herein. Examples of possible variations in the method ofinstallation of the floor panels 10 are set forth, for example, in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/412,419, filed Mar. 27, 2009, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Additionally, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe pattern of the floor panels 10 shown in FIG. 2 is just one ofnumerous possible patterns for installing the floor panels 10. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, a transition strip 30 may be used tovary the pattern of installation of the floor panels 10 and/or used toinclude floor structures 36 having a composition and/or geometricalconfiguration different from the floor panels 10. As shown in FIG. 4,the transition strip 30 is a film or tape comprising plastic, vinyl,polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyolefin, nylon, or combinationsthereof. The transition strip 30 may also include recycle material, suchas post industrial or post consumer scrap. The transition strip 30 maybe rigid or flexible and is preferably moisture resistant or waterproof.Additionally, the transition strip 30 may be capable of being deliveredor shipped in a roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the transitionstrip 30 comprises a single layer of rigid black polyvinyl chloridefilm. Alternatively, the transition strip 30 could comprise multiplelayers, such as two layers of film laminated with a mat, such as a glassmat or polyethylene terephthalate mat, there between. The transitionstrip 30 could also be provided with at least one of a continuous ordiscontinuous ink layer, antimicrobial layer, sound deadening layer,cushioning layer, slide resistant layer, stiffening layer, channelinglayer, mechanically embossed texture, or chemical texture.

As shown in FIG. 12, the transition strip 30 has a thickness T3, forexample, of about 1-60 mils (about 0.0254-1.524 millimeters), preferablyabout 6.5-12 mils (about 0.1651-0.3048 millimeters), and more preferablyabout 8 mils (about 0.2032 millimeters). A ratio of the thickness T1 ofthe top layer 11 of the floor panel 10 to the thickness T3 of thetransition strip 30 is about 5 or greater, preferably about 10-100, andmore preferably about 10-25. The transition strip 30 has a length L3 atleast as long as the length L1 of the top layer 11 of the floor panel 10and a width W3 of up to about half the width W2 of the bottom layer 12.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the geometricalshape and the length L3 and the width W3 of the transition strip 30 maybe varied depending on the desired method for packaging and/or the formin which the transition strip 30 is to be provided and/or the desiredpattern of the floor panels 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transition strip 30 has a top side 31 and abottom side 32. The top side 31 is provided with an adhesive 33. Theadhesive 33 may be, for example, any suitable adhesive, such as a hotmelt adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a structural and/orreactive adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive 33 is apressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. The adhesive 33 may have, forexample, a bond strength of at least 25 force-pounds, and morepreferably about 25-30 force-pounds after having been heat aged forabout 24 hours at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. In the illustrated embodiment,the adhesive 33 is provided on substantially an entirety of the top side31.

A release strip 34 is positioned adjacent to the top side 31 to coverthe adhesive 33 during shipping and prior to the use thereof. In theillustrated embodiment, the release strip 34 is a flexible sheetcorresponding in size and shape to the top side 31. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the size andshape of the release strip 31 may be varied, as long as the releasestrip 31 adequately covers the adhesive 33. The release strip 34 may bemade, for example, from any known suitable release material, such as apoly or silicone coated paper, a plastic sheet, a polymer film, or othermaterial that enables the release strip 34 to be quickly and easilyremoved from the adhesive 33 during the installation of the floor panels10. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the releasestrip 34 could optional be omitted, particularly if the transition strip30 is delivered or shipped in a roll.

FIG. 6 shows a mixed media floating floor system 35 having a variedpattern of installation of the floor panels 10 and at least one of thefloor structures 36 having a composition and/or geometricalconfiguration different from the floor panels 10. In the illustratedembodiment, the floor structure 36 is a resilient floor tile. In themixed media floating floor system 35, the floor panels 10 are installedin the same way as the floor panels 10 in the floating floor system 27,except that the transition strip 30 is additionally provided on at leasta portion of the attachment surface 26 of the top layer 11 of the floorpanels 10 arranged adjacent to the floor structure 36 in order toadditionally join the floor structure 36 to the floor panels 10.Although not required, it is preferred that the transition strip 30chosen to be provided on the floor panels 10 is the same material as andhas the same thickness T3 as the bottom layer 12 of the floor panel 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, in order to provide the transition strip 30 on thefloor panel 10, the transition strip 30 is cut to a desired size andshape. The release strip 34 is removed from the transition strip 30. Thetransition strip 30 is adhered to at least a portion of the attachmentsurface 26 of the top layer 11 with the adhesive 33 provided on thetransition strip 30. The transition strip 30 is adhered to theattachment surface 26 of the top layer 11 such that about 1 inch (2.54centimeters) of the transition strip 30 extends from the first ends 21and the second ends 22 of the top layer 11. The portions of thetransition strip 30 that extend from the first ends 21 and the secondends 22 of the top layer 11 form a floor structure attachment surface37. As shown in FIG. 6, the floor structure 36 is adhered to theadhesive 33 on the floor structure attachment surface 37 of thetransition strip 30 by engaging at least a portion of a bottom surfaceof the floor structure 36 with the floor structure attachment surface37.

FIGS. 7-11 show a method of replacing one of the floor panels 10 in thefloating floor system 27 of FIG. 2 using the transition strip 30.Although not shown or described herein, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, that the transition strip 30 could also be used toreplace one of the floor panels 10 in the mixed media floating floorsystem 35 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, after identifying one of thefloor panels 10 which needs replaced, a cutting mechanism 38, such as aknife, is inserted into a seam 39 adjacent the floor panel 10. Thecutting mechanism 38 is guided about the perimeter of the top layer 11via the seam 39. As the cutting mechanism 38 is guided about theperimeter of the top layer 11, the cutting mechanism cuts through thebottom layer 12 of the floor panel 10. The floor panel 10 is then priedup and removed from the floating floor system 27 creating an opening 40in the floating floor system 27. Because the bottom layer 12 is cut in aposition corresponding to the perimeter of the top layer 11, a portionof the bottom layer 12 remains underneath the adjacent floor panels 10when the floor panel 10 is removed from the floating floor system 27.

As shown in FIG. 8, a replacement floor panel 10′ is prepared forinsertion into the opening 40. Although not required, it is preferredthat the floor panel 10′ chosen to be provided in the opening 40 is thesame structure as and has the same thickness as the remainder of thefloor panels 10 the floating floor system 27. First, the substantiallyL-shaped marginal end portion of the bottom layer 12 of the floor panel10′ is removed by guiding the cutting mechanism 38 along the first ends21 and the second ends 22 of the top layer 11. As shown in FIG. 9, thesubstantially L-shaped marginal end portion of the bottom layer 12 thathas been removed from the floor plank 10′ is then adhered to thesubstantially L-shaped marginal end portion of the bottom surface 15 ofthe top layer 11 via the adhesive surface 25 on the top surface 18 ofthe substantially L-shaped marginal end portion of the bottom layer 12.As a result, the bottom surface 15 of the top layer 11 is completelycovered with the bottom layer 12 so that the floor panel 10′ has asubstantially uniform thickness. Additionally, the floor panel 10′ nolonger has any exposed marginal end portions.

As shown in FIG. 10, the opening 40 is then prepared for receipt of thefloor panel 10′ by providing the transition strip 30 therein. Althoughnot required, it is preferred that the transition strip 30 chosen to beprovided in the opening 40 is the same material as and has the samethickness T3 as the bottom layer 12 of the floor panels 10 and/or thefloor panel 10′. First, the transition strip 30 is cut into individualstrips corresponding to the size and shape of the perimeter of theopening 40. The release strip 34 is removed from each of the transitionstrips 30. The transition strips 30 are then arranged within the openingsuch that a portion of each of the transition strips 30 is insertedunderneath the bottom layers 12 of the adjacent floor panels 10, asshown in FIG. 12. The adhesive 33 of the top side 31 of the transitionstrips 30 adheres the transition strips 30 to the bottom surface 19 ofthe bottom layer 12 of the adjacent floor panels 10. The transitionstrips 30 are adhered to the bottom surface 19 of the bottom layer 12such that about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of the transition strip 30extends back into the opening 40. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the floorpanel 10′ is then positioned in the opening 40 such that the bottomsurface 19 of the bottom layer 12 of the floor panel 10′ adheres to theadhesive 33 on the transition strips 30.

Because the thickness T2 of the bottom layer 12 of the floor panels 10,10′ and the thickness T3 of the transition strip 30 is significantlyless than the thickness T1 of the top layer 11, when the transitionstrip 30 is caused to overlap with the base layer 12 of the floor panels10, 10′, the overlap will not impact the aesthetic and/or structuralcharacteristics of the top layer 11. Therefore, by reducing thethickness of the bottom layer 12 and/or the transition strip 30,buckling at the top surface 18 of the top layer 11 can be prevented.Additionally, because the thickness 13 of the transition strip 30 isrelatively small, it is easy to supply the transition strip 30 in thepackaging containing the floor panels 10 rather than having to supplythe transition strip 30 separate from the floor panels 10.

The transition strips 30 may also be used to repair the floor panel 10,prior to installation, for example, if a portion of the bottom layer 12of the floor panel 10 is damaged, creased, and/or wrinkled duringshipping. In this instance, the affected area of the bottom layer 12 anda portion of the bottom layer 12 adhered to the bottom surface 15 of thetop layer 11 is removed from the floor panel 10 using the cuttingmechanism 38. The transition strip 30 is then cut to a size and shapecorresponding to the removed area of the bottom layer 12. The releasestrip 34 is removed from the transition strip 30. The transition strip30 is then adhered to the bottom surface 15 of the top layer 11 with theadhesive 33 in the area corresponding to the removed area of the bottomlayer 12.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope andspirit of the invention. For example, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the use of the transition strip 30 is notnecessarily limited to the floor panel 10 shown and described herein.Specifically, the transition strip 30 could also be used to replace afloor panel in a floating floor system comprised of a plurality of thefloor panels of the prior art using the method of replacement previouslyshown and described herein. As previously described above, in the floorpanel of the prior art the bottom layer typically comprises at least onemix layer and has a thickness about equal to or greater than the toplayer wherein a ratio of a thickness of the top layer to a thickness ofthe bottom layer is typically in the range of about 2 or less. Becausethe thickness T3 of the transition strip 30 is significantly less thanthe thickness of the top layer and/or the bottom layer of the floorpanel of the prior art, when the transition strip 30 is caused tooverlap with the bottom layer, the overlap will not impact the aestheticand/or structural characteristics of the top layer. Therefore, by usingthe transition strip 30, buckling at the top surface of the top layercan be prevented, and the additional step of carving out the portion ofthe bottom layer remaining under the adjacent floor panel can beeliminated. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description beregarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of theinvention is given by the appended claims together with their full rangeof equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transition strip for installing, replacing, orrepairing a floor panel in a floating floor system, comprising a film ortape comprising plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester,polyolefin, or nylon, the transition strip having a thickness of about1-60 mils.
 2. The transition strip of claim 1, wherein the transitionstrip is a moisture resistant film.
 3. The transition strip of claim 1,wherein the transition strip includes at least one of a continuous ordiscontinuous ink layer, antimicrobial layer, sound deadening layer,cushioning layer, slide resistant layer, stiffening layer, channelinglayer, mechanically embossed texture, or chemical texture.
 4. Thetransition strip of claim 1, wherein the top side of the transitionstrip is provided with an adhesive.
 5. The transition strip of claim 1,wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive.
 6. Thetransition strip of claim 1, wherein the transition strip furthercomprises a release member adjacent the adhesive.
 7. The transitionstrip of claim 1, wherein the transition strip has a thickness of about6.5-12 mils.
 8. The transition strip of claim 7, wherein the transitionstrip has a thickness of about 8 mils.
 9. A method of replacing a floorpanel in a floating floor system comprising a plurality of floor panelshaving a top layer with an exposed marginal end portion and a bottomlayer with an exposed marginal end portion, the marginal end portion ofthe top layer being adhered to the marginal end portion of the bottomlayer of the adjacent floor panel, the method comprising: removing atleast one of the floor panels to form an opening in the floating floorsystem; positioning a transition strip in the opening such that aportion of a top side of the transition strip, adheres to a bottomsurface of the bottom layer of the floor panel adjacent the opening anda portion of the top side of the transition strip extends into theopening; and adhering a bottom surface of a bottom layer of areplacement floor panel to the portion of the transition strip extendinginto the opening.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprisinginserting a cutting mechanism into a seam adjacent to the floor panelthat is to be removed and cutting through a bottom layer of the floorpanel that is to be removed with the cutting mechanism in a positioncorresponding to the seam.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein thetransition strip is a film or tape comprising plastic, vinyl, polyvinylchloride, polyester, polyolefin, or nylon.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the transition strip includes at least one of a continuous ordiscontinuous ink layer, antimicrobial layer, sound deadening layer,cushioning layer, slide resistant layer, stiffening layer, channelinglayer, mechanically embossed texture, or chemical texture.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the floating floor system is a mixed mediafloating floor system including at least one floor structure having acomposition or geometric configuration different from the floor panels.14. The method of claim 9, wherein the bottom layer and the transitionstrip are the same material and thickness.
 15. The method of claim 9,wherein the replacement floor panel comprises a top layer aligned with abottom layer.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the transition striphas a thickness of about 1-60 mils.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe transition strip has a thickness of about 6.5-12 mils.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the transition strip has a thickness ofabout 8 mils.
 19. The method of claim 9, wherein a ratio of thethickness of the top layer to a thickness of the transition strip isabout 5 or greater.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the ratio of thethickness of the top layer to the thickness of the transition strip isabout 10-100.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the ratio of thethickness of the top layer to the thickness of the transition strip isabout 10-20.
 22. The method of claim 9, wherein the top side of thetransition strip is provided with an adhesive.
 23. The method of claim22, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive, acrylic adhesive. 24.The method of claim 22, further comprising removing a release memberfrom the adhesive.